Our Story
Arlington Rugby Club is a community-based youth rugby club promoting the growth and development of rugby in Arlington, Massachusetts and neighboring towns for children in grades Kindergarten through High School. Our primary focus is on providing a safe and fun environment for players to play and learn the game of rugby with coaches adopting a developmentally appropriate approach to the introduction of rugby.
Formed in 2023, Arlington Rugby Club began with one U12 flag rugby team competing in tournaments throughout New England. The team consisted mostly 4th through 6th graders (with a 1st grader thrown in) and soon earned a reputation for playing competitive youth rugby.
The Spring of 2024 saw the addition of a U10 flag team for kids in 3rd and 4th grade and a U14 tackle team for those in Middle School. By summer’s end, Arlington would go on to become the U10 and U12 division champions, with U14 earning a bronze at their debut appearance at the 2024 Bay State Games.
With a focus on introducing rugby to the next generation of players, Arlington Rugby Club hopes to keep building towards that end both on and off the pitch.
Our Principals
- Safety is paramount. No unnecessary contact, no diving, no jumping or spinning to avoid a tackle.
- Respect. Respect for fellow players, both teammates and opponents, coaches and referees is at the core of rugby culture from its earliest days. There is zero tolerance for bad sportsmanship (talking back to the referee, taunting opponents or criticizing your teammates).
- Teamwork. In rugby, everyone contributes in every play. Scores are made and conceded by the team. Support your teammates particularly when mistakes happen.
- Winning is secondary. Participating, having fun and learning the game are what’s most important.
Our Coaches
SCOTT DUNN
(USA Rugby L1 Coach Certified)
Coach Scott played school and club rugby from a young age in his native Scotland. In the past he has coached with Mystic River Rugby Club’s youth program and now serves as Arlington Rugby Club’s director.
KEN FAGAN
(USA Rugby Non Contact Certified)
CÉSAR FOURCADE
(USA Rugby Non Contact Certified)
Growing up in the southwest of France, Coach Cesar began playing rugby at the age of 12 and has over twenty seasons of experience playing rugby at the university level and in the third French division. He later played D2 rugby for the San Fernando Valley Rugby Club in California.
KEVIN GRIBBEN
(USA Rugby L1 Coach Certified)
A native of Dublin, Ireland, Coach Kevin played rugby at school and later the club level at Blackrock College. He has also spent several years coaching various age groups in the Mystic River Youth Rugby program.
KYLE WINTER
(USA Rugby L1 Coach Certified)
With experience as a rugby union player with Northeastern University, Mystic River and the Indonesian National Team, Coach Kyle also played rugby league with the Boston 13s in the USARL and represented the USA in an exhibition match against Canada. His coaching experience includes Northeastern and Arlington Catholic.